Wednesday, September 25, 2013

Hymn of All Creation



Fall trees on our walk to school
Praise the Lord from the earth...
Fire and hail, snow and mist,
storm winds that fulfill his word,
You mountains and all you hills,
you fruit trees, and all you cedars...







Yesterday the sky was blue, the air was fresh and the trees were beautiful. Today the wind is blowing the rain hard against my windows. Either way, Praise the Lord.

Friday, September 20, 2013

Jack Frost is a Saskatchewonian

Monique cant believe it.
Frost in the morning. The sun is taking care of it but still.
By this afternoon it will be sweltering. Happy Autumn.

Wednesday, September 18, 2013

The LeBlanc Process: Free glory!



Not even that early. 630am
Here on the prairie skies like this are commonplace twice a day. For free. No charge. 
So beautiful, ever-changing, o ancient beauty! How late have I loved you!



posted 9Sep

My new classroom!


I am still in a bit of shock.

After a grand total of zero subbing days, I was interviewed and hired for a classroom teaching job!

I am the "extension" teacher for language arts in a small high school amidst the part of town Jesus would be hanging out in. I get a small amount of students with the largest needs to complete successfully.

So far I am loving it. My experience with the Communications course in BC has been super helpful. I have tea and apples in the room. Still need more decor.

My students are awesome. They even study once in a while. Seriously every time they show up and get something done I have the strong sense they would never have done it in a regular class so that makes me feel proud to be a part of givng them the chance they need to succeed.

And communiting is significantly more fun on a motorcycle! !

Monday, September 16, 2013

WGM... Weird Grief Moment


I have coined a new term, a WGM, or a weird Grief Moment.

These WGM can happen at any time. For example, when the bereaved mother is sent to the Liquor store for a few beer to bring to a BBQ, and she comes back not with one case but two and a bottle of wine because she could not decide and plus they were giving out samples.

Or while sitting in line at the local Co-op gas bar, the before mentioned mother contemplated applying for the help wanted add for a gas jockey. Why... well I don't really know... but I could.

Or again when the thought crossed the grieving mothers mind that they should get a puppy because if she can't have a baby at least she can have a dog. (Ok that thought did not last long, and luckily sanity returned before she could say anything to any of the kids.)

But if you think that WGMs are reserved for the mother, rest assured that fathers also experience this phenomenon. Although their WGMs do tend to be less frequent, they are more momentous.

for example, buying a motorcycle!


Or Two!!!!!

Friday, September 6, 2013

Big Wheels

In most ways our new school is like our old school. Faith is at the center of student life, kids are happy and welcoming and teachers are professionals who like kids and excel at teaching. But there are some major differences.
First of all there are a LOT of kids. The new school as two of each class starting with preschool and going until grade 8. All of us have found this overwhelming. Including the mother tiring to see over the sea of other mothers.
One of the other differences is the modes of transportation. Tons of kids are on bikes or on foot. In our old school there was maybe a handful of kids that were self propelled. Here it is just normal.
Also there is a school bus. Yes, a good old fashioned yellow school bus that drives around the neighbourhood. I feel a little bit like I am in a Beverly Cleary novel!
Lots of cars are still parked our side the school. But still, I love a school that has that many bike racks and they still need more.

Thursday, September 5, 2013

Bountiful Harvest

We went Great Grandma's and Great Grandpa's house this weekend. Like any self respecting Prairie people they have a massive garden. We picked carrots, cucumbers, onions, potatoes and rhubarb!
Now I just have to use it all!
Monique

New Look This Season

Here is Catherine's new outfit. It was 31 degrees today and prefect weather for hanging out in your swimsuit.
There also happened to be a sale on snow boots today. Put the two together and this is what you get.

Back to School Haircuts

Don't they look great! Francis also got his hair cut but refused to get his picture taken. What a bum! But he looks way older now. I am not ready to have a kid that looks that old. Do you think I can claim to be the babysitter?